The Save Ghana Movement, a non-governmental organization based in Accra, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating state of basic education in Ghana. The organization argues that a combination of inadequate policies and a persistent disregard from authorities has created a crisis in the foundation of the country’s educational system. This neglect, they argue, is not only evident in the dilapidated physical infrastructure of many basic schools, particularly in rural areas, but also in the skewed allocation of resources that favors higher levels of education. The stark contrast between the learning conditions experienced by children in basic schools and the privileged education enjoyed by the children of political elites, often in foreign institutions, underscores the deep-seated systemic inequalities. This disparity, according to the Movement, represents a betrayal of the nation’s future and a failure to recognize the crucial role of basic education in shaping a prosperous and equitable society.
The Movement’s leader, Mr. Robert Andzie Ansah, articulated the organization’s concerns in a recent interview. He highlighted the long-standing pattern of neglect towards basic education by successive governments since 1992. While secondary and tertiary institutions have received significant attention and investment, basic schools, the very foundation upon which further learning is built, have been systematically overlooked. This misplaced prioritization, Ansah argues, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the meaning of “basic” and “secondary.” The term “basic,” he emphasizes, denotes fundamental importance, while “secondary” implies a lesser urgency. Yet, the reality on the ground reveals a starkly different picture, where basic schools, tasked with imparting fundamental skills like reading and writing, often lack basic amenities like libraries, science labs, and even adequate seating. Even when such facilities exist, their maintenance is often compromised due to chronic underfunding, creating a vicious cycle of deprivation.
The glaring disparity in resource allocation between basic schools and higher educational institutions is a central point of contention for the Save Ghana Movement. While secondary schools and universities often boast well-equipped facilities and conducive learning environments, many basic schools struggle to provide even the most fundamental necessities. This stark contrast not only undermines the quality of education provided at the basic level but also limits the potential of young learners. The image of children learning under trees or in makeshift shelters, a common sight in rural Ghana, serves as a powerful indictment of the prevailing educational inequalities. The Movement argues that this neglect of basic education is not merely a matter of inadequate funding but reflects a deeper disregard for the foundational role that these institutions play in shaping the future of the nation.
The Save Ghana Movement contends that the prioritization of secondary and tertiary education over basic schooling is a short-sighted approach that jeopardizes the nation’s long-term development. This neglect, they argue, is evident in the policies promoted by political leaders, particularly during election cycles, where promises related to basic education are often relegated to the margins. The Movement also points to the proliferation of private schools, often staffed by unqualified teachers, as a symptom of the systemic failures in public basic education. These private institutions, despite their often substandard quality, sometimes attract parents who have lost faith in the ability of government schools to provide a decent education for their children. This preference for private schools, even with their limitations, underscores the deep-seated distrust in the public education system, particularly at the basic level.
Mr. Ansah further criticizes the tendency of teachers in basic education to focus primarily on salary increases rather than advocating for the resources necessary to improve the learning environment and nurture young talent. He argues that this focus on personal gain over the needs of the students further exacerbates the challenges facing basic education. The Movement believes that the government’s emphasis on secondary and tertiary education is politically motivated, driven by the fact that students at the primary and junior high school levels are largely below voting age. This political calculus, they contend, leads to a prioritization of short-term electoral gains over the long-term development of human capital through a robust basic education system. This short-sighted approach, they warn, will have lasting consequences for the nation’s future.
The Save Ghana Movement concludes its critique with a strong call to action. They argue that the neglect of primary and junior high schools represents a grave injustice to future generations and a betrayal of the nation’s potential. The organization calls upon the current administration to acknowledge the critical importance of basic education and to take concrete steps to address the glaring shortcomings in the system. This, they assert, is not merely a matter of allocating more resources but requires a fundamental shift in priorities and a commitment to meaningful educational reform. The future of Ghana, they emphasize, depends on the quality of its basic education, and the time for action is now. The Movement’s appeal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the basic education system, ensuring that all children in Ghana have access to a quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
